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What is it?

This is the new Ford S-Max. Revisions to the exterior styling in keeping with the rest of Ford's Kinetic Design language disguise much greater developments under the bonnet.

The S-Max and its Galaxy sister MPV, the first Fords to get the Kinetic Design styling, are now the company's first cars to get the new high-efficiency 200bhp EcoBoost petrol engine. It comes as standard with the PowerShift double-clutch auto 'box, first seen in the Focus, which will also be ...Read the full article

 So we're playing "spot the difference" are we ? Looks the same to me.

Really hate the way "Ecoboost" is used to describe the engine , when it is purely a marketing term. "Eco" is bulls**t for green , and "Boost" implies that the engine has forced induction. Some kind of forced induction.... 

 "Powershift" sounds like a new technique for chatting-up potential dates.

Is this a replacement for the 2.3 litre I4 auto, or the 2.5t I5 manual ? - or both ?.

 I know the Volvo sourced I5 is at the end of it's life cycle (with no new one on the horizon), but it's a shame if they don't replace it because it's a cracking engine with lots of character that made an S-Max far more interesting than it had a right to be.

 Easily tuneable too - if that's your bag

It's disappointing that the latest twin turbo Volvo D5 engine isn't going in the Mondeo or S-Max either, that would be a fantastic package.

 

Looks really nice in these pictures, a good improvement on the pre-facelift IMO.

Chips:

Easily tuneable too - if that's your bag

As soon as I saw the engine spec, my mind said "Fiesta RS"...

Uncle Mellow:

Really hate the way "Ecoboost" is used to describe the engine , when it is purely a marketing term. "Eco" is bulls**t for green , and "Boost" implies that the engine has forced induction. Some kind of forced induction.... 

Well, it's a forced induction engine (turbo) and its significantly more efficient than the old 2.3 with auto, despite having more power and torque. Therefore "ecoboost" is one of the better taglines they could go with - I mean, TFSI? TSI? I have no real issue with the tag.

I think the facelift improves it, especially at the rear, I hated the rear before with its bland rear lights, the Galaxy got much nicer rear lights/tailgate etc. Will the Galaxy be getting a similar facelift?

Ive never understood why the S-Max gets so much praise, yes I havent driven one, yes I believe everyone who says how great it is to drive etc. But I have sat in the rear of one, & at the end of the day its just a Galaxy with a lower roof. Im sure most previous Galaxy owners never thought, "I love this car. But it feels too spacious and practical. If only it had less headroom." One of the great benefits of an MPV is the airy, spacious feeling you get, something lacking in this car I am afraid. I would buy the Galaxy over this any day.

roverfan1984:

Ive never understood why the S-Max gets so much praise,

Its a Ford and as far as Autocar are concerned, Henry's lads can do no wrong.

Its nice to drive, as an MPV, but not great to drive, a well sorted estate is better and you can get your stuff in the boot!

Richard H:

Its a Ford and as far as Autocar are concerned, Henry's lads can do no wrong.

Well, in this instance, that's because Autocar is right. Anyone who doesn't appreciate that the S-Max is one of the most remarkable vehicles currently in production, doesn't appreciate design at all.

If you're constantly going to refer to another machine that does something better than the one on which you're reporting, we'll end up requiring reviews of aeroplanes. And after all, it isn't necessarily the case that there is an estate that offers what the S-Max does in terms of handling and driving experience.

Visually, they've mucked it up a bit with the latest revisions, but mechanically, they've ironed out some packaging flaws in what was already a brilliant model.

Hi roverfan1984, Yes, the Galaxy is also getting a facelift. Check back later on Tuesday for the first drive.

roverfan1984:

Will the Galaxy be getting a similar facelift?

 I'd like to see the 2.0 SCTi engine make it into the Kuga. I'm sure the 2.5T they have in there currently is all very characterful but being well over the 225 g/km threshold means it was effectively obsolete as soon as it was launched.

This car sells cos' kids love it - they love it more than the X5 or E' Class. They really handle and can be hurled about during the school run. Kids badger parents, parents come to replace car - kids scream they want the car Chloes' mums got - parents check, find Chloes' mum loves it and it costs fifteen grand less then the X5 - deal done. The S-Max is a superior product and, pound for pound, the best car you can currently buy. I was a sceptic til' I drove one but have been happily reccomending them to all and sundry for ages - other than the electric windows and usual Ford TDi woes they are very reliable as well.